Inside This Month

1. Upcoming Events
2. Niagara College Rhodo project
3. Financial Report
4. Elections, Board of Directors.
5. President's Report
6. Membership renewal update
7. Election Ballots

Dr. Harold Pellet, Professor Emeritus of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota, developer of the Northern Lights series of very hardy deciduous azaleas, will speak on his current work of breeding cold hardy, pollution tolerant plants (clematis, ornamental pear, viburnums, red maple, honeysuckle, azaleas) and propagation of difficult-to-propagate species such as oak. See http://www.rhodoniagara.org/activities.htm

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March 11, 2007 (Sunday). 2 P.M. Best Western Beacon Harbourside Inn, Beacon Blvd., Jordan, Ontario, Canada.

Sally and John Perkins, Growers and Hybridizers in Salem, New Hampshire, will speak on hardy rhododendrons & azaleas and bulbs, corms & rhizomes as companion plants. They are avid and knowledgeable gardeners who, since 1985, have attempted to grow more than 500 different cultivars of rhododendron in the potentially hostile environment of New Hampshire. They will discuss their successes and failures. A one hour talk is planned for rhodos and a one hour talk for Bulbs Corms and Rhizomes. An intermission will follow the first hour.

See http://www.rhodoniagara.org/activities.htm

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See http://www.rhodoniagara.org/plantsales.htm

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Niagara College Rhodo Project

Hard landscaping work has commenced on the Niagara College Rhodo Demonstration Garden, our joint project with Niagara College to help beautify the campus and to educate horticulture students on growing rhododendrons and azaleas. Designed by Michelle Purchase, Niagara College's Landscape Designer, this bed is located by the back entrance to the College. The Niagara Chapter will be helping to select the rhodos and companion plants during the next two months for planting this spring. If you would like to be involved in this phase of the project, please contact Nick Yarmoshuk. Pictures, capturing the progress on the Rhododendron Garden, will be shown on our website after February 1, 2007.

Elections

Elections for the Board of Directors are being held this year using a mail-in ballot process. The slate of nominees is provided on the attached ballot sheet. An addressed return envelope is provided for your convenience. Irma Purchase is the scrutineer for the election and all ballots are addressed to her. You may vote for as many individuals as you wish. Also, you may write in the names of people for whom you wish to vote but who do not appear on the ballot. We welcome the addition of further names to the existing list. Please mail your ballot in the accompanying envelope before February 2, 2007. If your ballot arrives after February 2, 2007, please vall in your ballot with a message to Irma Purchase at (905) 892-2732.

Financial Statement

Membership

Membership Renewal Reminder Notice: If you have yet to renew your membership, please contact Bob Dickhout at 905-356-3432.

President's Message - Sondra Meis

The year 2007 is off to an excellent start. Our Speaker's Program kicks off with two events that are "Must to Attend" if you are keen to get new ideas and inspiration for improving your gardens, and to network with your fellow enthusiasts. Successes for 2006:

• Ken Parker on "Native Plant Gardening -A Joint Venture with Nature";
  
• Nick Yarmoshuk on "Proper planting instructions and care for rhododendrons and azaleas."

Your Board of Directors looks for your input to find new ways to add value to members. Please share your ideas and suggestions with us. Even better, join the Board and help to implement your ideas.

BOARD MEMBERS - 11 TO BE ELECTED

Current members of the Board of Directors nominated for re-election.

Barbara Agnew: A long time member of the society, active in hosting social events and developing the plant sale; an active gardener in Welland.

Bob Dickhout: Founding member and long time Membership Chair for both the RSC and the Niagara Chapter; awarded ARS Bronze Medal for service to the society; very knowledgeable in plant protection and in government regulation of imported plant products.

Marian Little: Long time member and instrumental in acquiring and growing-on plants for members; owner of Nettle Creek Nursery in Fonthill and highly knowledgeable in plant species relevant to the Niagara environment.

Mike Little: Current Treasurer; Past-President, Niagara Chapter and RSC; owner of Nettle Creek Nursery; developed Rhododendron garden at Brock University; experienced internationally in project management.

Jackie Looye: A mainstay of the Society for 2 decades; with her husband Jack, Jackie has hosted many Niagara Chapter social events; active on publicity, served as Secretary, and has moved cuttings across the border for transmittal to Van Veen Nursery for rooting "Plants for Members"; provided, with Jack Looye, quality rhododendrons and azaleas; Owner with Jack Looye of Rhodo Land Nursery.

Sondra Meis-Simpson: Current president; long term gardener at Point Albino (Fort Erie) Ontario; Senior Business Development Advisor with the Ontario Government.

Nicholas Yarmoshuk: Founding member of the Society; current Secretary & Webmaster; Past-President, Niagara Branch and RSC; Chair, 1998, ARS National Convention at Niagara Falls, Ontario; grows rhododendrons and azaleas in St.Catharines.

Ballot

Nominations for Election to the Board of Directors

Please mail your ballot in the accompanying pre-addressed envelope to Irma Purchase, at 728 Memorial Drive, RR#3 Fenwick ON, L0S1C0, before February 2, 2007. If you received your ballot after February 2, 2007, please phone in your ballot to leave a message with Irma at (905) 892-2732.

Balance Sheet
December 31, 2006
The Niagara Branch
Rhododendron Society of Canada

Net Worth - As of 31/12/2006

(Includes unrealized gains)

As of 31/12/2006 (in Canadian Dollars)

Account 31/12/2006 Balance (In Canadian $)

TOTAL ASSETS 9,800.70

LIABILITIES
Credit Cards
ARS NIAGARA VISA 0.00
TOTAL Credit Cards 0.00

TOTAL LIABILITIES 0.00

OVERALL TOTAL 9,800.70